The International Olympic Committee is being called on to investigate whether London is failing on a key condition of hosting the Olympics.The Host City Contract requires London to comply with environmental law as it prepares for and hosts the 2012 Games. However, London has exceeded EU limits on air pollution since air quality measurements began in 2000.
Darren Johnson, Green Party London Assembly Member, said:"2007 was one of the worst years yet for air quality in London and thetrend of worsening air quality looks set to continue. The Government recently admitted that it is highly unlikely that it will meet targets for reducing nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone. The IOC must investigate whether this would be a breach of the contract signed when London won the bid."
"Thousands of Londoners are dying prematurely because of inaction at all levels of government. We must reduce the total amount of traffic in London, and replace cars with bikes, pedestrians, and buses. We must scrap developments like the Thames Gateway road bridge and massive car parking, which generate more traffic. Finally, for those vehicles that do travel in London, we must make it more expensive for the most polluting."
More information about the European directive on air quality can be found at: ec.europa.eu